The Red Lion Castle Eaton in Swindon

The red lion at Castle Eaton - AIRFEST DAY A fantastic setting to watch the RIAT from and as always very beautiful alongside the river. A few disappointing factors today to mention though, when we arrived at 1.30pm we were greeted on the door by a lady who struggled to add up the ticket prices and informed us that although food was served until 3pm we might not be able to get anything to eat other than donuts at the bar, this was mentioned after we had paid the entrance costs, a shame as we had hoped to all eat lunch out. We had also seen advertised in several places that the price online for this event under 12 were free, we had two in our group, however the same lady also informed us that it has now changed to under 10 so we had to pay for everyone in the group. We were charged £7 each and then I had to go back and ask for the cups that were meant to be included in the price. It tainted the experience upon arrival to be faced with all that before we were allowed inside the front door. It gave an impression of greed and profit over ensuring true hospitality. Once finally allowed inside after all the various rules were relayed to us at a fast speed and for what seemed like a long time, it was brilliant live music and always charming to see the weeping willow trees and river. Toilets were in a poor state with bins completely overflowing over the floor, a general unhygienic state in both the men’s and women’s. Bar staff told us we were not able to order a portion of chips unless it was accompanied with a main meal so I asked if I can order pizza and chips, this was also not possible so we just ordered pizza, however we spent the afternoon watching kitchen staff bringing out various portions of chips to numerous people, again a little disappointing. Most things on the menu seemed to be unavailable or sold out. The pub atmosphere has gone rapidly downhill since we last came and customer service skills were lacking, we noticed the same abrupt lady from the greeting at the door spend the afternoon bossing staff around and acting like she owned the place but being qualified in hospitality myself, she was clearly inexperienced in the trade or at least fairly new to managing staff and a premises like that. There were other small points like women’s slippers and sandals lying in piles behind the bar, just a general unprofessional and untidy vibe. It was disheartening that there was a shabby unkempt feel to the whole place as we previously remembered the red lion as a magical and charming place. We have very special memories made on numerous occasions previously. On a more positive note, the pizzas that we were allowed to order were delicious and we would come again even though we have been put off a little. It would be helpful to have a food menu on the bar where you place orders for the food and clearer signage where to queue as I stood for over half an hour in the drinks queue to then be told I have to queue around the other side for food. Please bring back the original, more professional staffing team as currently it is not doing the pub justice.

We finally visited the Red Lion after many recommendations and were not disappointed. We sat in a sunny garden room overooking the river. A very interesting menu catering for all tastes. We settled for a variety of small plates which we shared plus a portion of the most superb chips! The whole meal was delicious. There is lovely atmosphere and I would highly recommend a visit

Excellent service, food and atmosphere. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit and will definitely be back for more… thank you 👏

We went for lunch on a Friday. Food very nice although quite a limited menu. However, what is offered is very good. Prices are not unreasonable but, in my view, to add an involuntary 12.5% service charge on the bill, for both food and drink, for a pub meal is unwarranted and unreasonable. It does make a lunchtime meal quite expensive. Very few pubs add a compulsory service charge and we're likely to choose one of them next time.

Sunday lunch and can't fault the food and service they were very busy, but didn't have to wait long for are order and there was plenty of it and the quality was excellent. Thanks to the staff for good service.